And The Hits Just Keep On Coming

Sarah Palin knew the job was dangerous when she took it. But of the many attacks on her, I find Roger Ebert's one of the more telling, since, beyond a few Dem talking points, his arguments are so class-based. Poor Roger, he can't help it. Does he realize this is just the sort of thing that helps her?

Some selected sentences, with comments:

I think I might be able to explain some of Sara Palin's appeal.

Roger, you can barely explain the plot of a movie. (I know that was a cheap shot, but faithful readers are aware I've been on Roger's case over this for quite a while.)

She's the "American Idol" candidate. Consider. What defines an "American Idol" finalist? They're good-looking, work well on television, have a sunny personality, are fierce competitors, and so talented, why, they're darned near the real thing. There's a reason "American Idol" gets such high ratings. People identify with the contestants. They think, Hey, that could almost be me up there on that show!

There are no doubt a number of reasons people like Palin, but being a dyed-in-the-wool Democrat, it may be hard for Roger to accept it might have something to do with her politics.

By the way, I'm an American Idol fan and not once have I thought "that could almost be me up there."

I want a vice president who is better than me, wiser, well-traveled, has met world leaders

So Roger thinks he's better and wiser than pretty little contestant Sarah Palin. As to meeting world leaders, believe it or not, there have been plenty of Vice Presidential candidates who didn't have a lot of experience in that area, but don't worry--the Veep starts meeting 'em at a pretty regular clip once in office, more in a year than most Senators probably meet in a lifetime.

I would also want someone who didn't make a teeny little sneer when referring to "people who go to the Ivy League." [...] Although Palin gets laughs when she mentions the "elite" Ivy League, she sure did attend the heck out of college. Five schools in six years. What was that about?

It was about you sneering at people who don't go to the Ivy League. (Actually, that's not fair. I doubt Roger would care either way if Palin were a Democrat.) Anyway, didn't you say you like 'em well-traveled?

And how can you be her age and never have gone to Europe?

It takes all types, Roger. But you're pretty blithely writing off a majority of the country.

You don't need to be a pointy-headed elitist to travel abroad. You need curiosity and a hunger to see the world. [...] Sarah Palin's travel record is that of a hopeless provincial.

I honestly try to defend Democrats from the claim they're elitist, but it sure would help if you stopped calling people whose lives are probably as exciting and full as yours hopeless provincials.

Palin is a shallow, chirpy person with those vaguely alarming eyeglasses.

No comment necessary.

I trust the American people will see through Palin's facade.

The people are learning about her, and they'll decide. Unfortunately, they're not going to learn much about her from reading your little essay, Roger. But they'll learn a heck of a lot about you.